SB613 would require every Hawaii public high school student to complete two credits of Hawaiian language instruction in order to receive a diploma, beginning with diplomas awarded at the end of the 2026-2027 school year. The bill also directs the Department of Education to create a two-year Hawaiian language pilot program at Noelani Elementary School and Nanakuli High and Intermediate School to help students learn and practice the language, with the elementary school program resulting in certificates and the high school/intermediate school program counting toward graduation credit.
The measure includes a reporting requirement: the Department of Education must evaluate the pilot program, decide whether it should continue, expand, or end, and submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2028 regular session. It also appropriates unspecified general funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to implement the program and related activities.
Impact
If enacted, SB613 would amend Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to create a statewide graduation requirement for Hawaiian language instruction and would add a new statutory mandate for the Department of Education to administer and evaluate a pilot program at two named schools. The bill would directly affect public school students, school administrators, and DOE curriculum planning, while also requiring state funding for implementation and oversight. It would reinforce the role of Hawaiian language in public education and potentially expand future language requirements based on the pilot’s results.
Sentiment
The bill’s framing is strongly supportive of Hawaiian language revitalization and reflects a positive policy sentiment toward expanding ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in public education. The bill text emphasizes the historical suppression of the language and the need for more speakers, suggesting an intent to build on existing immersion and revitalization efforts. No committee testimony, votes, or recorded debate were provided, so the available record shows support through introduction and referral rather than documented opposition or endorsement from committees.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the statewide graduation mandate, the cost and feasibility of implementing two required credits for all public high school students, and whether the Department of Education has sufficient staffing, curriculum, and teacher capacity to support the requirement. The pilot program at Noelani Elementary and Nanakuli High and Intermediate may also raise questions about site selection, scalability, and whether the pilot’s results can be generalized statewide. Because the bill includes an appropriation with blank funding amounts, fiscal impact and funding adequacy are likely to be central issues for the committees to which it was referred, EDU/HWN and WAM.
Recognizing Hawaiian Council For 25 Years Of Dedicated Service, Impactful Leadership, And Steadfast Advocacy On Behalf Of The Native Hawaiian Community.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.